Job site security system and method of use therefor

ABSTRACT

A job site security system contains a wireless communications node and a device such as a tool, a battery, a charger, etc., which contains a controller. Each tool has a locked state and an unlocked state as determined by the controller. Each tool is (initially) in the locked state. When the wireless communications node transmits a signal to the device the controller changes the locked state to the unlocked state allowing the device to be used. A method for securing a job site is also provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/703,431, filed Mar. 24, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,580,804, which isa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/964,370, filedJul. 23, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,302,127, which is a national phaseentry under 37 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT Application No. PCT/CN2018/074354,filed Jan. 26, 2018.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of power tools. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to the field of power toolsecurity.

BACKGROUND

At a construction site, job site, etc. (hereinafter, “site”), there aretypically tens or even hundreds of tools to keep track of. This iscomplicated by the fact that many workers will bring their own tools aswell as use those present at the site, and/or provided by the employer.Furthermore, these tools, especially the power tools, may be expensiveand/or specialized for a specific purpose and/or use. Workers may,either inadvertently or on purpose, take a tool from the site. In somecases this may be by accident, as when a site's tool is confused with apersonal tool, and in other cases this may be on purpose, as some ofthese tools may be very expensive. In the past, the access to thesetools was typically handled by limiting physical access to the toolswith a lockable tool shed, tool box, collecting the tools every nightand locking them away for the next day, etc. However, with such asystem, once the tools were either taken away for (authorized) use orchecked-out by an individual, they were out of the control of the toolowner/manager. The current physical methods of locking each tool up andrequiring specific authorization to use a tool tend to be cumbersome anddifficult to enforce in a busy site which may have many employees,contractors, and sub-contractors present at any given time.

In other cases, an entity, such as the foreman of the site, the owner ofthe site, the owner of the construction company, etc., may wish to limituse and/or the authorization to use various tools at the site, and/orlimit the use of specific tools to specific people and/or specific jobs.However, in previous systems which merely limit physical access to thetool(s), there is little ability to control use by unauthorized peopleand/or to limit the use to specific locations.

In addition, it may be desirable to be able to track the tool usage,and/or to compile data about the tool usage. It may also be desirable tobe able to track the location of the tools so as to be able to reduceloss and theft.

Accordingly, the need exists for an improved tool management andsecurity system which reduces tool theft and unintentionalmisappropriation. There also exists a need to track and/or to compiledata regarding tools and their usage. The need also exists for limitingthe use of tools to specific people, specific locations, and/or specificuses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a job site securitysystem having a wireless communication node having a wirelesstransmitter, and a plurality of tools. Each tool has a controlleroperatively-connected to a wireless receiver. Each tool has a lockedstate and an unlocked state as determined by the controller. Each toolis (initially) in the locked state. When the wireless transmittertransmits a wireless signal and the wireless receiver receives thewireless signal, the controller unlocks the tool, typically by changingthe locked state to the unlocked state.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method forsecuring a job site having the steps of providing a wirelesscommunication node and providing a plurality of tools. Each tool has acontroller operatively-connected to a wireless receiver. Each tool has alocked state and an unlocked state as determined by the controller. Eachtool is (initially) in the unlocked state. The method also contains thesteps of transmitting an unlocking signal from the wireless transmitter,receiving the unlocking signal with the wireless receiver, and unlockingthe tool with the controller.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a job sitesecurity system having a wireless communication node comprising awireless transceiver and a plurality of devices. Each device isindependently selected from the group of a tool, a battery, a charger,and a combination thereof. Each device has a controlleroperatively-connected to a wireless transceiver, and each device has alocked state and an unlocked state as determined by the controller. Thedevice is (initially) in the locked state. When the wirelesscommunication node's wireless transceiver transmits a wireless signal,and when the device's wireless transceiver receives the wireless signal,the controller unlocks the tool.

Without intending to be limited by theory it is believed that such a jobsite security system and a method for using such a system may reduce orprevent loss of a device; or a tool, a charger, and/or a battery, due toinadvertent or purposeful removal from the site. For example, if adevice; or a tool, a charger, and/or a battery, is inadvertently removedfrom the site and the user finds that it cannot be used outside thesite, then they may bring it back. Alternatively, if a person ispotentially interested in removing a device; or a tool, a charger,and/or a battery, from the job site without permission, there will belittle incentive to steal it if he/she knows that it cannot be usedelsewhere. In addition, it is believed that the present job sitesecurity system may be able to track and/or to compile data regarding adevice; or a tool, a charger, and/or a battery, such as their location,their users, and/or their usage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a site containingthe job site security system;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an embodiment of the jobsitesecurity system;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an embodiment of a tool;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the presentinvention having the added security feature where a tool, charger,and/or battery is only authorized to work under a specific condition(s);

FIG. 5 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an embodiment of the jobsitesecurity system; and

FIG. 6 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an embodiment of a tool.

The figures herein are for illustrative purposes only and are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Unless otherwise specifically provided, all measurements are made inmetric units. Furthermore, all percentages, ratios, etc. herein are byweight, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the phrase “locked state” indicates a state wherein thetool may not be used as-is, such as when the controller is preventingthe motor from operating, is inhibiting the electricity flow within thetool, etc.

As used herein, the phrase “unlocked state” indicates a state whereinthe tool may be used as-is.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a job site securitysystem including a wireless communication node and a plurality of tools.The wireless communication node contains a wireless transmitter whileeach of the plurality of tools includes a controlleroperatively-connected to a wireless receiver. Each tool has a lockedstate and an unlocked state as determined by the controller. The tool is(initially) in the locked state. When the wireless transmitter transmitsa wireless signal; or an unlocking signal, and the wireless receiverreceives the wireless signal; or unlocking signal, then the controllerunlocks the tool by changing the locked state into the unlocked state.In an embodiment herein, the controller may also lock the tool uponreceipt of the wireless signal; or a locking signal.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a job site securitysystem including a wireless communication node and a plurality ofdevices. In an embodiment herein, each device is independently selectedfrom the group consisting of a tool, a battery, a charger, and acombination thereof, The wireless communication node contains a wirelesstransceiver while each of the plurality of devicesindependently-includes a controller operatively-connected to a wirelesstransceiver. Each device independently has a locked state and anunlocked state as determined by the controller. The device is(initially) in the locked state. When the wireless communication node'swireless transceiver transmits a wireless signal; or an unlockingsignal, and the device's wireless transceiver receives the wirelesssignal; or unlocking signal, then the controller unlocks the device bychanging the locked state into the unlocked state. In an embodimentherein, the controller may also lock the device upon receipt of thewireless signal; or a locking signal. Without intending to be limited bytheory it is believed that such a system and a method for using such asystem may reduce or prevent loss of a device; or a tool, a charger,and/or a battery, due to inadvertent or purposeful removal from thesite. For example, if a device; or a tool, a charger, and/or a battery,is inadvertently removed from the site and the user finds that it cannotbe used outside the site, then they may bring it back. Alternatively, ifa person is potentially interested in stealing a device; or a tool, acharger, and/or a battery, then if he/she knows that it cannot be usedwhen taken away from the site, then they will have little incentive tosteal it. In addition, it is believed that the present job site securitysystem may be able to track and/or to compile data regarding a device;or a tool, a charger, and/or a battery, such as their location, theirusers, and/or their usage.

The wireless communication node may be powerful enough to cover theentire construction site, or may be operatively-connected to one or moreother wireless communication nodes. In an embodiment herein. The jobsitesecurity system herein, contains a plurality of wireless communicationnodes; or from about 1 to about 32768 wireless communication nodes; orfrom about 1 to about 10000 wireless communication nodes; or from about1 to about 1000 wireless communication nodes; or from about 1 to about20 wireless communication nodes; or from about 2 to about 15 wirelesscommunication nodes.

The wireless communication node may transmit a wireless signal (see FIG.2 at 62); or a variety of wireless signals, such as, but not limited to,an unlocking signal, a locking signal, another signal, and a combinationthereof. More specifically, the wireless communications node maytransmit an unlocking signal.

The communications node herein employs a wireless communication protocolselected from the group of near field communication (NFC), a proximitycard, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared, audio, visual,Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, ZigBee™, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, NB-IOT, LTE, CDMA, and/orother wireless communication systems and/or protocols as desired, and acombination thereof; or Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi, and a combination thereof.Such wireless standards and protocols are widely-available world-wideand are well-known in the wireless communications art.

In an embodiment herein, the wireless communications node and thewireless receiver; or wireless transceiver(s) employ a security protocolto protect the signal(s), the wireless communication node, the wirelessreceiver, the wireless transmitter, the wireless transceiver, and/or thetool, etc. In an example herein, the security protocol is RTD 2.0. In anembodiment herein, the security protocol uses encryption.

In an embodiment herein, the wireless communication node, the wirelessreceiver, the wireless transmitter, and/or the wireless transceiver issubstantially sealed; or sealed, from the environment and is, forexample, water-proof, oil-proof, and/or weather-proof.

In an embodiment herein, the wireless communication node contains atransceiver, which is capable of both transmitting and receiving awireless signal (see FIG. 2 at 62). In an embodiment herein, the toolcontains a transceiver, which is capable of both transmitting andreceiving a wireless signal (see FIG. 2 at 62). In an embodiment herein,the tool contains a transceiver, the wireless communication nodecontains a transceiver, and the tool sends a wireless signal to thewireless communications node, and the wireless communications nodereceives the wireless signal.

In an embodiment herein, the job site security system contains a meshnetwork; or a mesh network formed by the wireless communication node(s)and the tools; or a mesh network formed by the transceivers in thewireless communication node(s) and the transceivers in the tools. In anembodiment herein, the mesh network is selected from the group of aBluetooth™ mesh network, a Wi-Fi mesh network, a cellular network, and acombination thereof

In an embodiment herein, a wireless communication node; or each wirelesscommunication node; corresponds to a specific location at the site,thereby becoming a location-specific wireless communication node. In anembodiment herein, the system herein contains a plurality oflocation-specific wireless communication nodes. A tool from theplurality of tools may be assigned to only work in a specific operablelocation. For example, a jackhammer may only be assigned for use in anarea which requires the breaking up of existing concrete. A wirelesscommunication node may then correspond to each operable location, suchas defining the area of the existing concrete. The tool may then beunlocked only when in wireless communication with the wirelesscommunication node corresponding to the operable location for the tool,for example, the jackhammer only works when in the location of theexisting concrete, as defined by the respective wireless communicationnode. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed thatsuch a system would allow the site manager, foreman, owner, etc. toreduce or prevent the misuse of tools or damage thereof due to improperuse. For example, a concrete saw and blade will be irrevocably-damagedwhen used to cut a railroad tie, but the actual worker using the saw maynot be concerned with this because he/she just wants to cut the railroadtie as quickly and easily as possible. A location-specific wirelesscommunication node designating a concrete-containing area (which doesnot contain any railroad ties) and a corresponding concrete sawdesignated only for use in concrete-containing areas (as defined by theabove location-specific wireless communication node) would preventmisuse of the concrete saw to cut railroad ties in another location, andthereby prevent damage to the concrete saw and/or the saw blade.

In an embodiment herein, the wireless communications node transmits asignal, such as the unlocking signal, the locking signal, or anothersignal, to the wireless receiver indirectly, such as, for example, bysending a signal, such as the unlocking signal, the locking signal, oranother signal, to a cloud server, and the cloud server sends a signal,such as the unlocking signal, the locking signal, or another signal, tothe wireless receiver.

In an embodiment herein, each individual tool in the plurality of toolsis a powered tool, such as an electric, gasoline, or hybrid tool. Theelectric and/or hybrid tools may run on DC and/or AC current.Furthermore, in an embodiment herein, each individual tool in theplurality of tools is selected from the group of a spray device, agarden care device, a power tool, a vacuuming device, a cutting device,an applicator, a heating device, a lighting device, a sound device, amotor, a generator, and a combination thereof. In an embodiment herein,the spray device is selected from the group consisting off a paintsprayer, a water sprayer, an insecticide sprayer, a fertilizer sprayer,a power sprayer, a high pressure sprayer, and a combination thereof. Inan embodiment herein, the garden care device herein is selected from thegroup consisting of a mowing device, a blowing device, a trimmingdevice, and a combination thereof; or a lawn mower, a leaf blower, agrass trimmer, a tree trimmer, a hedge trimmer, an edger, a mulcher, anda combination thereof. In an embodiment herein, the power tool herein isselected form the group consisting of a sander, a finisher, a fastener,a cutting device, a drill, a grinder, a screwdriver, a jackhammer, anail or fastener gun, a lathe, a pneumatic wrench, a pneumatic clamp, anexpansion tool, a crimper, a polisher, a router, a pneumatic hammer, animpact hammer, a knockout tool, a coring tool, and a combinationthereof. In an embodiment herein, the vacuuming device is selected fromthe group consisting of a wet vacuum, a dry vacuum, a hand vacuum, amulcher/vacuum, and a combination thereof. In an embodiment herein thecutting device is selected from the group consisting of a circular saw,a band saw, a chainsaw, a reciprocating saw, a table saw, a radial armsaw, a rotary saw, a miter saw, a concrete saw, an abrasive saw, a jigsaw, a scroll saw, shears, a cutter, a cut out tool, a nibbler, a laserleveler, and a combination thereof. In an embodiment herein, theapplicator is selected from the group consisting of a paint applicator,a glue applicator, a soldering iron, and a combination thereof. In anembodiment herein, the heating device is selected from the groupconsisting of a gas heater, an electric heater, and a combinationthereof; or a space heater, a blow dryer, a fan heater, and acombination thereof. In an embodiment herein, the lighting device isselected form the group consisting of a cordless light, a LED light anda combination thereof; or is selected from the group consisting of ahand held light, a spotlight, an area light, a flood light, a towerlight, a helmet light, a belt light, a harness light, a room light, anda combination thereof. In an embodiment herein, the sound device isselected from the group consisting of a megaphone, a microphone, aspeaker, a radio, a cell phone, a walkie-talkie, a smart watch, a mobiledevice, and a combination thereof. In an embodiment herein, the motor isselected from the group consisting of a generator, a winch, a hoist, anda combination thereof. In an embodiment herein, the generator is anelectric generator which is powered by, for example, gasoline, diesel,kerosene, light, propane, butane, and a combination thereof. Thegenerator herein may be an AC generator, a DC generator, an invertergenerator, and/or a hybrid generator as desired.

The battery useful herein may be a rechargeable battery; or a smartbattery. In an embodiment herein, the battery contains a controller.

The charger useful herein may be a charger for a rechargeable battery,or a smart charger. The charger may be, for example, a DC charger, an ACcharger, an inverter charger, etc. as desired. In an embodiment herein,the charger contains a controller.

The controller useful herein is typically a printed circuit board, amicroprocessor, a computer and/or other electronic control mechanism asknown in the art. The controller is operatively-connected to thewireless receiver; or the wireless transceiver in the tool, and when thewireless receiver; or the wireless transceiver, receives the unlockingsignal, then the controller unlocks the tool by changing the lockedstate into the unlocked state. The tool may then be used by theoperator. In an embodiment herein, the tool, battery, charger, mobiledevice, communication node, etc. may have a locked state and an unlockedstate which is controlled by a controller.

In an embodiment herein, the tool, battery, charger, mobile device,communication node, etc. contains firmware; or upgradable firmwaretherein, typically in the controller or operatively-connected to thecontroller. In an embodiment herein, the locked state and the unlockedstate are controlled by changing the firmware.

In an embodiment herein, the wireless communication node may send afirmware update to update the whole system, an individual tool, battery,charger, mobile device, communication node, etc., or any combinationthereof.

In an embodiment herein, the wireless communication node, the wirelesstransmitter, the wireless receiver and/or the wireless transceivercommunicates with a technology, standard, or protocol selected from thegroup of near field communication (NFC), proximity card, radio frequencyidentification (RFID), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, ZigBee™, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, LTE,and/or other wireless communication systems and/or protocols as desired,and a combination thereof; or Bluetooth™, NFC and a combination thereof.Such wireless technologies, standards and protocols are well-known inthe wireless communications art.

In an embodiment herein, the wireless communication node may alsotransmit another signal to the wireless receiver, such as, for example,a firmware update for the tool, a firmware update for the battery, afirmware update for the communications node, a firmware update for themobile device, a security patch, a request for information, an emergencynotice, a control command, a dataset, and a combination thereof.

However, it is recognized that if the system and/or the controllerunlocks the tool for an unlimited amount of time, then the value of thesystem to the site owner, tool owner, construction company, etc. isdiminished. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the system and the methodof the present invention, after a predetermined period of time haspassed from the unlocking of the tool the controller changes; orautomatically changes, the tool from the unlocked state to the lockedstate; or the controller initiates the locked state; or automaticallyinitiates the locked state, of the tool within a predetermined period oftime or from about 1 minute to about 24 hours; or from about 10 minutesto about 20 hours; or from about 15 minutes to about 15 hours; or fromabout 30 minutes to about 12 hours; or from about 1 hour to about 10hours of receiving the unlocking signal; or of changing the locked stateinto the unlocked state thereby unlocking the tool.

In an embodiment herein, the user and/or owner sets the predeterminedperiod of time; or the user and/or owner may set the predeterminedperiod of time from about 10 minutes to about 6 months; or from about 30minutes to about 3 months' or from about 1 hour to about 1 month. In anembodiment herein, the user and/or owner sets the predetermined periodof time via, for example, the mobile device, the cloud, the internet,and/or, etc.

Without intending to be limited by theory, the inventors believe thatthis may help to ensure that the tool must remain at the site and/orwithin the range of the communications node in order to remain operable.If, for example, the user takes the tool outside of the communicationsnode's range until it becomes locked (i.e., the controller initiates; orre-initiates, the locked state) and stops working, then in order tounlock the tool, the user must bring it back within range of thecommunications node, and receive a new unlocking signal therefrom sothat the controller will change the locked state into the unlockedstate, thereby unlocking the tool, again.

Without intending to be limited by theory it is believed that helps toensure that the tool(s) remains locked when they are not located in thesite, and/or within range of the communications node. This may alsoprevent unauthorized usage of the tool.

In an embodiment herein, the unlocking signal is specific to eachparticular tool in the plurality of tools.

In an embodiment herein, the wireless communication node transmits alocking signal to the wireless receiver. When the wireless receiverreceives the locking signal, then the controller locks the tool.

In an embodiment herein, the wireless communication node is locatedwithin or is integral to a lockable storage unit within which theplurality of tools are stored. The lockable storage unit may be a largespace, such as a room or a storage shed, or a small space, such as atool box. In an embodiment herein, the wireless communication node isalso be responsible for transmitting a locking signal and/or anunlocking signal for an electronic lock for the door or cover of thelockable storage unit as well.

In an embodiment herein, the lockable storage unit may be lined with asignal blocker, a radio frequency shield, and/or signal shield to block;or partially block; or reduce the strength of, the wireless signal. Thiscan then be used to alert the user/owner as to whether or not all of thetools are located in the lockable storage unit, for example, at the endof the day. If the tool is not placed in the lockable storage unit by acertain time of each day, or at another time and/or after a certainperiod as defined by the user/owner, then an alarm may be triggered,either on the tool itself, or at another location such as at thelockable storage unit. The alarm may be an audible and/or visible alarm.Alternatively, a notification may be sent out to a mobile device, thecloud, etc. to notify the user and/or owner. By placing a wirelesscommunications node inside of the lockable storage unit, the relativestrength of the wireless signal can be gauged by, for example, the toolor the system itself. If the wireless signal strength is less than apreset threshold amount (typically set by the user/owner), then an alarmor other notification may be triggered.

For example, a lockable storage unit contains a Bluetooth™communications node therein and is shielded such that when the tools areinside of the lockable storage unit, the Bluetooth™ signal strength is−30 dB, while outside of the lockable storage unit, the Bluetooth™signal strength is −70 dB. The preset threshold amount may be, forexample, −50 dB. When the lockable storage unit is locked, then theBluetooth™ communications node checks the signal strength of the toolsthat are registered for storage at that lockable storage unit. If thesignal strengths for each tool is sufficient so as to be above thepreset threshold amount, (i.e., greater than −50 dB) then that indicatesthat all the tools are present, then either no action is needed, orperhaps a notification is sent to the user/owner indicating that talltools are present and accounted for. However, if the signal strengths ofthe tools indicate that one or more tools are not located in thelockable storage unit, then an alarm and/or notification may betriggered. For example, an alarm may be triggered on the tool itself,and a notification may be sent to the user and/or the owner.

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodimentof a site, 10, which in this case is a construction site, containing thejob site security system, 20, herein. A plurality of wirelesscommunication nodes, 22, are located at various points in the site, 10,and are designated as specific locations, thereby making themlocation-specific wireless communication nodes, 22′, 22″, 22′″, 22″″.The wireless communication nodes contain wireless transceivers (see FIG.2 at 42), as they contain both a wireless transmitter and a wirelessreceiver.

A wireless communications node, 22, is located on a lockable storageunit, 24, which in this case is a lockable tool shed, 26. The lockabletool shed, 26, has a door, 28, which has an electronic lock, 30, that iscontrolled by the wireless communications node, 22. The site, 20,contains a plurality of tools, 32, which may be used around the site,20, for different jobs. When not in use, and/or at night time, theplurality of tools may be physically stored in the lockable storage unitfor safe keeping, recharging, etc. In an embodiment herein, the lockablestorage unit further contains a tracking system for the plurality oftools, which keeps a data log of, for example, what tools are present onthe site, who has used them, their status (new, used, old, worn, needsreplacement, battery charge level, in-use, charging, requiresmaintenance, under maintenance, etc.), where they are located at anygiven moment (i.e. which wireless communications node(s) they are closeto), etc. This tracking system may use one or more communicationprotocols and technologies described herein as well as, for example,GPS, QR-codes, bar codes, laser scanners, etc. to track the tools andtheir statuses.

In FIG. 1 , a house, 34, is assigned the wireless communication node22′, while a demolition site, 36, is assigned the wireless communicationnode 22″. Similarly, the nearby woods, 38, are assigned wirelesscommunication node 22″, while the railroad terminus, 40, is assignedwireless communication node 22″. Thus, when a wireless communicationnode is assigned to a specific location, this may also allow a tool maybe assigned to an operable location coinciding with the wirelesscommunication node in that specific location.

For example, a drill, 32′, may be assigned to the operable location ofthe house, 34, by designating the drill, 32′, to only be for use at thehouse, 34. This can be arranged by designating the drill, 32′, to workonly when receiving an unlocking signal from the wireless communicationnode, 22′, located at the house, 34. Similarly, a jackhammer, 32″, maybe assigned to the operable location of the demolition site, 36, bydesignating the jackhammer, 32″, to only be used at the demolition site,36. This may be arranged by designating the jackhammer, 32″, to workonly when receiving an unlocking signal from the wireless communicationnode, 22″, located at the demolition site, 36. Similarly a chainsaw,32′″, may be assigned an operable location by designating it only foruse only in the woods, 38, by designating it to work only when receivingan unlocking signal from the wireless communication node, 22′″, locatedin the woods, 28.

However, if they are removed from their respective operable locations,the drill, 32′, and the chainsaw, 32′″, to, for example, the railroadterminus, 40, then they would not be able to be used. This is becausethe controller (see FIG. 2 at 62), would not unlock either of the toolsby placing them in the unlocked state, unless the drill, 32′, and thechainsaw, 32′″, respectively receive a wireless signal (see FIG. 2 at62) which in this case may be an unlocking signal, from thecommunications node, 22′, at the house, 34, or a wireless signal (seeFIG. 2 at 62) which in this case may be an unlocking signal, from thecommunications node, 22′″, at the woods, 38. Because they is not sodesignated by the site owner, foreman, company owner, etc., a wirelesssignal (see FIG. 2 at 62) which in this case may be an unlocking signal,from the communications node, 22″″, at the railroad terminus, 40, wouldnot result in an unlocked drill or chainsaw.

Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 1 that each tool, 32, respectivelycontains a wireless transceiver, 42, which is operatively-connected tothe wireless communications node, 22. The wireless receiver isoperatively-connected to a controller (see FIG. 2 at 62), which controlswhether the tool is in the locked state or the unlocked state.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , an optional mobile device, 44, may be, forexample, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, smart watch, or acombination thereof; or a smartphone, is present which is alsooperatively-connected to the wireless communications node, 22, eitherdirectly or via a cloud server (see FIG. 2 at 72). In some embodimentsherein, the mobile device may contain the wireless communications node.In other embodiments, the mobile device may be external to the wirelesscommunications node, and may operatively-connect to the wirelesscommunications node.

The various wireless communication nodes, 22, 22′, 22″, 22′″, 22″″, themobile device, 44, and the wireless transceivers, 42, in the tools, 32′,32″, 32′″, all communicate together and form a mesh network; or a localmesh network. The mesh network may be a full mesh network or a partialmesh network, as desired, however, it is realized that a partial meshnetwork is likely the most practical mesh network in a dispersed sitesuch as a construction site and with limited powered transceivers suchas those in the tools.

In an embodiment herein, the tool; or the controller, checks for thepresence of the wireless communication node on a periodic basis in orderto continue in the unlocked state. If the tool; or the controller, isnot operatively-connected to the wireless communication node, then thecontroller may, for example, initiate the locked state, sound an alarm,issue an audible alert to the user, issue a visible alert to the user,and a combination thereof. In an embodiment herein, the periodic basisis a predetermined period of time; or from about 1 minute to about 24hours; or from about 10 minutes to about 20 hours; or from about 15minutes to about 15 hours; or from about 30 minutes to about 12 hours;or from about 1 hour to about 10 hours. In an embodiment herein, theuser and/or the owner may set the predetermined period of time.

In an embodiment herein, the controller locks the tool within apredetermined period of time from receiving the unlocking signal.

In an embodiment herein, the mobile device allows the user (presumablythe site owner, the foreman, the company owner, the tool owner, etc.) tocontrol and/or monitor at least one; or all, aspect(s) of the job sitesecurity system. For example, the mobile device may allow the user todesignate particular tools for the location-specific wirelesscommunication node(s), to directly, or indirectly transmit or instructthe wireless communication node to transmit one or more unlockingsignals, one or more locking signals, one or more another signals, and acombination thereof. The mobile device herein may also allow the user,for example, to track the location of the tools, receive data about thetools from the data log, etc.

In an embodiment herein, at the end of the working period, the lockablestorage unit sends a report to the mobile device detailing, for example,the presence (or lack thereof) of the plurality of tools, the wearstatus of the plurality of tools, the battery status of the plurality oftools, the repairs needed for the plurality of tools, any damage to theplurality of tools, and a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the job site security system,the tool; or each tool, keeps a user log of the user and correlates theuser with the user's experiences and style of use. In an embodimentherein, the job site security system, the tool; or each tool, analysesthe user's experiences and style so as to adjust the tool for that user;for example by adjusting the power levels, so as to accommodate theuser's preferences. In an embodiment herein, the tool; or each tooluploads the user log to the wireless communications node; orautomatically uploads the user log to the wireless communications node.

In an embodiment herein, the job site security system, the tool; or eachtool, monitors tool data, such as, for example, the usage, status,battery levels, power drain rate, etc. of the tool, and makes proactivesuggestions to a person such as the site owner, the foreman, the toolowner, etc. as to when to provide maintenance, replacement batteries, toreplace tool parts, to order new batteries, to order replacement toolparts, etc.

Each of the wireless communications nodes, 22, may beoperatively-connected to a power source, 46, which may be an AC and/or aDC power source, as desired.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram, 60, of an embodiment of thejobsite security system, 20, herein. Specifically, the wirelesscommunications node, 22, sends a wireless signal, 62, such as anunlocking signal, a locking signal, another signal, or a combinationthereof, to the wireless transceiver, 42, which is operatively-connectedto the controller, 64. The controller, 64, then may, for example, switchthe tool, 32, from the locked state to the unlocked state, from theunlocked state to the locked state, and/or perform a function, such astransmitting the tool's status information. Of course, a plurality oftools and wireless communication nodes may also be present, as well as,for example, one or more mobile devices (see FIG. 1 at 40).

In an embodiment herein, the controller, 64, is operatively-connected tothe battery, 66, of the tool, 32, and may regulate the power output ofthe battery, 66, to the tool, via, for example, adjusting the speed of amotor, 68. In an embodiment herein, when the tool is in the lockedstate, the controller, 64, prevents electric current from flowing fromthe battery, 66, to the motor, 68. In an embodiment herein, when thetool, 32, is in the unlocked state, the controller, 64, allows electriccurrent to flow from the battery, 66, to the motor, 68.

In an embodiment herein, the controller is operatively-connected to amemory module, 70, which stores data relating to the tool, 32, (thebattery, 66, the charger (see FIG. 4 at 76), and/or etc.), such as, forexample, the status history, the usage history, the charge history, thelocation history, the firmware history, the battery usage history, theauthorized batteries, and a combination thereof; or the usage history,the charge history, the battery usage history, the authorized batteries,and a combination thereof. In an embodiment the usage history includesdata such as, for example, the person(s) using the tool, thebattery(ies) used with the tool, the location data, the communicationnode data, etc. and combinations thereof.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2 it can be seen that the wirelesscommunication node, 22, the mobile device, 44, and/or the wirelesstransceiver, 42, in the tool, 32, may communicate either directly orindirectly with a cloud server, 72, thereby forming a mesh network; or afull mesh network. Thus, in an embodiment herein, the wirelesscommunication node, the wireless transceiver, the wireless receiver, thewireless transmitter, and/or the mobile device may communicate with acloud server. In an embodiment herein, the wireless communication node,the wireless transceiver, the wireless receiver, the wirelesstransmitter, the mobile device and/or the cloud server may send and/orreceive; or send and receive a wireless signal.

FIG. 3 , shows a schematic circuit diagram, 60, of an embodiment of atool, 32, herein. In this embodiment, the tool, 32, is powered by aninternal combustion engine, 74. Accordingly, in an embodiment hereinwhere the tool, 32, contains an internal combustion engine, 74, thenwhen the tool is in the locked state, the controller, 64, preventselectric current from flowing from the battery, 66, to the ignition, 76,of the internal combustion engine, 74. Alternatively, the controller mayprovide the locked state in an equivalent manner, such as, for example,preventing electric current from flowing from the battery to the sparkplug (not shown) of the internal combustion engine, by constraining thefuel of the internal combustion engine, etc. In an embodiment herein,when the tool is in the unlocked state, the controller, 64, allowselectric current to flow from the battery, 66, to the motor, 68.

As in FIG. 2 , the controller, 64, is also operatively-connected to thewireless transceiver, 42, and the memory module, 70, of the tool, 32.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the presentinvention having the added security feature where a tool, 32, charger,76, and/or battery is only authorized to work under a specificcondition(s). This may be achieved by providing specific firmware to thecontroller, 64, which only allows the tool, 32, and/or the charger, 76,to operate when a specific battery, 66, and/or batteries, are connectedthereto. Thus, the specific tool, 32, charger, 76, battery, 66, and/oretc. may be in a locked state unless it is attached to an authorized,complementary tool, 32, charger, 76, battery, 66, and/or etc.

In another embodiment also shown in FIG. 4 , a specific key, 78, foreach tool, 32, charger, 76, battery, 66, etc. may be provided whichprovides a signal; or in FIG. 4 an optional wireless signal, 62; or anunlocking signal, to the tool, 32, charger, 76, battery, 66, etc. Inanother embodiment the signal in FIG. 4 may be a wired signal. Thespecial key herein may be, for example, a physical device, a softwarekey, a firmware update, etc. and may be physically-provided,wirelessly-provided, etc. as desired. If the specific key is a softwarekey, then the software key may be contained in, for example, a mobiledevice, a cloud server, 72, etc. as desired.

More specifically, in a registration step, the tool, 32, charger, 76,battery, 66, communications node, 22, and/or etc. are registered in adatabase, 80, typically by the user and/or the owner. The user and/orowner may instruct the database, 80, as to under what conditions thetool, 32, charger, 76, battery, 66, communications node, 22, and/or etc.may be used. The user and/or owner therefore defines the authorizedcombinations of tool, 32, charger, 76, battery, 66, communications node,22, and/or etc. Since the communications node, 22, may be at a specificlocation, the user/owner may designate a specific tool, 32, charger, 76,battery, 66, and/or etc. to be only able to be activated/used in aspecific location (i.e., provide a specific condition that it be withinrange of an identified communication node, 22) at a site. Alternatively,if other geo-location data, such as GPS data, cell tower data, etc. isavailable, then the user/owner may use such data to designate that thespecific tool, 32, charger, 76, battery, 66, etc. only be able to beactivated/used in a specific location(s). The database, 80, then stores,and/or organizes the permutations of the authorized combinations.

In a communication step, the database, 80, communicates the authorizedcombinations (i.e., the conditions) to the tool, 32, charger, 76,battery, 66, communications node, 22, and/or etc.; or the controller(see FIG. 2 at 64) of the tool, 32, charger, 76, battery, 66,communications node, 22, and/or etc., via a signal; or a wirelesssignal. In practice, this communication step may occur via, for example,instructions to the controller (see FIG. 2 at 64), a firmware update,etc.

The authorization step checks to see whether or not the conditions, asset in the database as the authorized combinations, are met. Typicallythe controller (see FIG. 2 at 64) checks to see whether the conditionsare met, given the data available to the controller. If the conditionsare met, then the controller will change the tool, 32, charger, 76,battery, 66, and/or etc., from the locked state to the unlocked state.If the conditions are not met, then the controller (see FIG. 2 at 64),will maintain the tool, 32, charger, 76, battery, 66, and/or etc., inthe locked state. Alternatively, if the conditions are not met, then thecontroller (see FIG. 2 at 64), may change the tool, 32, charger, 76,battery, 66, and/or etc., from the unlocked state into the locked state.The use step occurs when all of the conditions are met and the useractually uses the (authorized) tool, 32, charger, 76, battery, 66,and/or etc.

For example, if an authorized combination is the use of saw #3 withbattery #1 at communications node #4 which is located at the woods inFIG. 1 , then the saw's controller (see FIG. 2 at 64, will check to seewhether or not battery #1 is connected, and whether or not the saw iswithin range of communications node #4. If these conditions are met,then the controller will change the saw into the unlocked state whichwill allow a user to activate the saw. However, if saw #3 is connectedto battery #2, and/or is not within range of communications node #4,then the controller will not change the saw into the unlocked state andit will be unusable.

Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that such anoptional feature further reduces the incentive for the theft of tools,batteries, chargers, etc.

In an optional embodiment herein the user/owner may authorize differentbatteries, 66, 66′, 66″, etc., to work with specific tools, 32, and/orchargers, 76. In an embodiment herein, the user/owner may provide theauthorization via, for example, a mobile device (see FIG. 1 at 44), acloud server (see FIG. 2 at 72), a signal, a wireless signal, 62, etc.Thus, in an embodiment herein, the authorization step includes the stepof having the specific key, 78, provide a signal; or a wireless signal,62; or an unlocking signal, to the tool, 32, charger, 76, battery, 66,communications node, 22, and/or etc.

In an embodiment herein, the controller in the tool and/or the chargerdetermines whether the respective tool or charger is in the locked stateor the unlocked state; when an authorized battery is inserted into thetool and/or the charger, then the respective controller may change thetool and/or charger to the unlocked state. In an embodiment herein, thecontroller requires both an unlocking signal and an authorized batteryin order to change a tool and/or a charger from the locked state intothe unlocked state.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic circuit diagram, 60, of an embodiment of thejobsite security system, 20, herein. Specifically, the wirelesscommunications node, 22, sends a wireless signal, 62, such as anunlocking signal, a locking signal, another signal, or a combinationthereof, to the wireless transceiver, 42, which is operatively-connectedto the battery controller, 84. The wireless signal, 62, may be sentdirectly to the wireless transceiver, 42, or via, for example, a couldserver, 72. The battery controller, 84, then may, for example, switchthe tool, 32, from the locked state to the unlocked state, from theunlocked state to the locked state, and/or perform a function, such astransmitting the tool's status information. Of course, a plurality oftools and wireless communication nodes may also be present, as well as,for example, one or more mobile devices (see FIG. 1 at 40).

In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the battery controller, 84, isoperatively-connected to a memory module, 70 that stores data relatingto, for example, the usage history, tool use, tool history, theauthorized tools, battery usage history, charge history, the authorizedbatteries, and a combination thereof. In addition, the batterycontroller, 84, is operatively-connected to the motor controller, 86,that controls the motor, 68. The motor controller, 86, is furtheroperatively-connected to a memory module, 70, which stores datapertaining to the motor controller, the usage history, the motor use,tool use, tool history, battery history, the authorized batteries, and acombination thereof. In an embodiment herein, when the tool is in thelocked state, the motor controller, 86, prevents electric current fromflowing to the motor, 68. In an embodiment herein, when the tool, 32, isin the unlocked state, the motor controller, 86, allows electric currentto flow to the motor, 68. In an embodiment the usage history includesdata such as, for example, the person(s) using the tool, thebattery(ies) used with the tool, the location data, the communicationnode data, etc. and combinations thereof.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2 it can be seen that the wirelesscommunication node, 22, the mobile device, 44, and/or the wirelesstransceiver, 42, in the tool, 32, may communicate either directly orindirectly with a cloud server, 72, thereby forming a mesh network; or afull mesh network. Thus, in an embodiment herein, the wirelesscommunication node, the wireless transceiver, the wireless receiver, thewireless transmitter, and/or the mobile device may communicate with acloud server. In an embodiment herein, the wireless communication node,the wireless transceiver, the wireless receiver, the wirelesstransmitter, the mobile device and/or the cloud server may send and/orreceive; or send and receive a wireless signal.

FIG. 6 , shows a schematic circuit diagram, 60, of an embodiment of atool, 32, herein. In this embodiment, the tool, 32, is powered by aninternal combustion engine, 74. In this embodiment the tool, 32,contains a battery controller, 84, operatively-connected to the wirelesstransceiver, 42, a memory module, 70 that stores data relating to, forexample, the usage history, tool use, tool history, the authorizedtools, battery usage history, charge history, the authorized batteries,and a combination thereof.

In addition, the battery controller, 84, is operatively-connected to theengine controller, 88, that is operatively-connected to and controls allaspects of an internal combustion engine, 74, including the ignition,76. The engine controller, 88, is also operatively-connected to a memorymodule, 70, which stores data relating to, for example, the usagehistory, tool use, tool history, the authorized batteries, fuelconsumption, power usage, and a combination thereof.

Method of Use

An embodiment of the invention herein includes a method for securing ajob site having the steps of providing a wireless communications nodehaving a wireless transmitter, and providing a plurality of tools whereeach tool has a controller operatively-connected to a wireless receiver.Each tool has a locked state and an unlocked state as determined by thecontroller, and (initially) the tool is in the locked state. The methodfurther has the steps of transmitting an unlocking signal from thewireless transmitter, receiving the wireless signal with the wirelessreceiver, and unlocking the tool with the controller. The method mayprovide from about 1 to about 32768 wireless communication nodes; orfrom about 1 to about 10000 wireless communication nodes; or from about1 to about 1000 wireless communication nodes; or from about 1 to about20 wireless communication nodes; or from about 2 to about 15 wirelesscommunication nodes.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the method further containsthe steps of locking the tool within a predetermined period of time; orwithin about 24 hours; or within about 12 hours; or within about 10hours; or within about 6 hours, of receiving the unlocking signal; or ofunlocking the tool by initiating the unlocked state. In an embodimentherein, the controller initiates the locking step changing the tool fromthe unlocked state to the locked state.

As noted above, the wireless signals may be sent indirectly or directly,and therefore in the cases where the wireless communication node, awireless transmitter, a wireless receiver and/or a wireless transceiveris connected to the interne, to a cloud server, etc., then in anembodiment herein, the method herein further contains the steps ofsending a wireless signal to a cloud server, and sending a wirelesssignal from the cloud server to a wireless receiver; or a wirelesstransceiver.

In an embodiment herein, where the tool contains upgradable firmware, orwhere the wireless signal contains a firmware update, then the methodherein may further contain the step of upgrading the upgradablefirmware.

Furthermore, it is recognized that where the tool contains atransceiver, that the tool may further take the step of sending awireless signal to the communications node, directly or indirectly.

The method herein may further contain the steps of transmitting alocking signal from the transmitter to the wireless receiver, optionallytransmitting the locking signal to the controller, and then locking thetool via instructions from the controller.

In an embodiment of the method herein, in a delegation step, the usermay further delegate a tool, charger, battery, mobile device,communication node, and/or combination thereof to be able to send awireless signal; or a unlocking signal and/or a locking signal; or alocking signal; or an unlocking signal, to the job site security system.In an embodiment herein, the delegating step occurs via a graphical userinterface on a communication node, a mobile device and/or a computer.

It should be understood that the above only illustrates and describesexamples whereby the present invention may be carried out, and thatmodifications and/or alterations may be made thereto without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

It should also be understood that certain features of the invention,which are, for clarity, described in the context of separateembodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment.Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately, or in any suitable subcombination.

What is claimed is:
 1. A job site security system comprising: at leastone device, the at least one device being one of a power tool, a batterypack, or a battery pack charger, the at least one device including afirst controller operatively connected to a first wireless transceiver;and a wireless communication node including a second controller and asecond wireless transceiver, the second controller configured to:transmit an unlocking signal to the at least one device to unlock the atleast one device, determine whether a predetermined period of time haspassed since transmitting the unlocking signal to the at least onedevice, and transmit, in response to the predetermined period of timehaving passed, a locking signal to the at least one device to lock theat least one device.
 2. The job site security system of claim 1, furthercomprising a lockable storage unit, wherein the lockable storage unitincludes the wireless communication node.
 3. The job site securitysystem of claim 2, wherein the second controller is further configuredto: determine that a signal strength of a wireless signal received fromthe at least one device is below a threshold to determine whether the atleast one device is located within the lockable storage unit.
 4. The jobsite security system of claim 3, wherein the second controller isfurther configured to: transmit, in response to the at least one devicebeing removed from the lockable storage unit, the unlocking signal tothe at least one device.
 5. The job site security system of claim 3,wherein the threshold is set by a user of the lockable storage unit. 6.The job site security system of claim 1, further comprising a mobiledevice, wherein the mobile device includes the wireless communicationnode.
 7. The job site security system of claim 1, wherein: the at leastone device is assigned an operable location; the wireless communicationnode corresponds to the operable location; and the wirelesscommunication node is configured to transmit the unlocking signal to theat least one device in response to the at least one device being inwireless communication with the wireless communication node.
 8. Alockable storage unit for storing a plurality of power tools, thelockable storage unit comprising: a wireless communication nodeincluding a wireless transceiver; and a controller configured to:transmit an unlocking signal to a first power tool of the plurality ofpower tools to unlock the first power tool, determine whether apredetermined period of time has passed since transmitting the unlockingsignal to the first power tool, and transmit, in response to thepredetermined period of time having passed, a locking signal to thefirst power tool to lock the first power tool.
 9. The lockable storageunit of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to:determine that a signal strength of a wireless signal received from thefirst power tool is below a threshold to determine whether the firstpower tool is located within the lockable storage unit.
 10. The lockablestorage unit of claim 9, wherein the controller is further configuredto: transmit, in response to the first power tool being removed from thelockable storage unit, the unlocking signal to the first power tool. 11.The lockable storage unit of claim 9, wherein the threshold is set by auser of the lockable storage unit.
 12. The lockable storage unit ofclaim 8, further comprising an electronic lock configured to receive asignal to lock a cover of the lockable storage unit.
 13. The lockablestorage unit of claim 8, wherein the lockable storage unit is a toolbox.
 14. The lockable storage unit of claim 8, wherein the predeterminedperiod of time is between 1 minute and 24 hours.
 15. A method forlocking a power tool, the method comprising: transmitting, with awireless communication node, an unlocking signal to the power tool tounlock the power tool, determining, with the wireless communicationnode, whether a predetermined period of time has passed sincetransmitting the unlocking signal to the power tool, and transmitting,with the wireless communication node, a locking signal to the at powertool to lock the power tool in response to the predetermined period oftime having passed.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the wirelesscommunication node is integrated within a lockable storage unit.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, further comprising: determining that a signalstrength of a wireless signal received from the power tool is below athreshold to determine whether the power tool is located within thelockable storage unit; and transmitting, in response to the power toolbeing removed from the lockable storage unit, the unlocking signal tothe power tool.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: settingthe threshold based on a user input.
 19. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: assigning the power tool an operable location, wherein thewireless communication node corresponds to the operable location. 20.The method of claim 15, further comprising: transmitting the unlockingsignal to the power tool in response to the power tool being in wirelesscommunication with the wireless communication node.